The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) ran eight trains in each direction and there were significant crowds waiting to board at the two current termini stations. The Purple Line runs on elevated tracks and is 23kms long.
The line runs between Klong Bang Phai in Nonthaburi Province and Tao Pun in northern Bangkok. It has a total of 16 stations along its route and fares will be staggered to reflect the distance travelled. More trial runs have been scheduled for Wednesday, Friday plus June 22, 24, 27, 29 and July 1.
Free tickets for trains on the final three days of the trials have not been issued yet. The MRTA says 5,000 tickets will be available at designated stations on Sunday 19 June. The Purple Line is due to open to the paying public on 6 August.
Travelling public enjoy free travel on new Bangkok train services
News in Asia
Bangkok’s urban transport authority ran the first of a series of trial runs on a new train service yesterday. The first Purple Line services were free for passengers who had pre-applied for tickets and ran between 07:00 and 09:00.